Microchip Sperm Selection
ADVANCED SPERM PREPARATION METHOD
Microchip Sperm Selection in Cyprus
Microchip sperm selection is a laboratory
method that uses microfluidic channels to prepare sperm
cells for use in IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection
(ICSI) treatment. The aim is to help isolate a sperm
population with more favourable motility characteristics
and potentially better-preserved DNA integrity.
MICROFLUIDIC SPERM SELECTION
What Is Microchip Sperm Selection?
Microchip sperm selection is a sperm preparation
method that separates sperm cells in a semen sample
according to their ability to travel through extremely
fine microchannels.
In this method, also known as a sperm chip or microfluidic
sperm selection, the semen sample is placed in a specially
designed chip. Sperm cells with more favourable motility
characteristics travel through the microchannels and are
collected in a separate chamber for use in the laboratory.
The method is designed to reproduce certain physical
features of natural sperm migration through the female
reproductive tract in a laboratory setting. Depending on
the treatment plan, the resulting sperm population may be
used for conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm
injection (ICSI).
- It is used during sperm preparation and selection
- The procedure is performed in the embryology laboratory
- No additional surgical procedure is performed on the patient
- The aim is to isolate sperm with more favourable motility characteristics
- Some systems may reduce the need for centrifugation
- It can be integrated into IVF and ICSI treatment
A Microchip Is Not a DNA Test
The microchip system does not perform genetic testing
on sperm cells or examine the DNA of each individual
sperm cell. It helps isolate a more suitable sperm
population according to motility and the ability to
travel through microchannels. Scientific studies suggest
that the selected sperm population may have lower levels
of DNA fragmentation.
LABORATORY STEPS
How Is Microchip Sperm Selection Performed?
The procedure is performed in the embryology laboratory
after the semen sample has been provided and does not
require any additional intervention for the patient.
01Assessment of the Semen Sample
The semen sample is assessed for sperm concentration,
motility, morphology and suitability for laboratory
processing.
02Loading the Sample into the Microchip
If considered suitable, the embryologist places the
sample into a sperm chip containing specially designed
microfluidic channels.
03Sperm Migration Through the Microchannels
Sperm cells with more favourable motility characteristics
travel through the microchannels in the chip and reach
the collection chamber.
04Use in Fertilisation
The isolated sperm population is assessed once more and,
depending on the treatment plan, used for conventional
IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Does the Patient Undergo an Additional Procedure?
No. Microchip sperm selection is a sperm preparation
method performed in the laboratory. It does not require
the patient to undergo an additional injection, surgical
procedure or anaesthesia.
SPERM PREPARATION TECHNIQUES
How Does the Microchip Method Differ from Conventional Methods?
Conventional techniques such as swim-up and
density-gradient centrifugation have long been used
for sperm preparation. The microchip method is designed
to separate sperm cells through their own movement
within microchannels.
In density-gradient centrifugation, the semen sample
passes through layers of fluid with different densities,
and sperm cells are separated with the aid of
centrifugation.
In the swim-up method, motile sperm are allowed to
swim into the upper layer of the preparation medium.
In microfluidic systems, sperm are selected as they
travel through fine channels within the chip.
Depending on the microchip system and laboratory protocol
used, the sample’s exposure to extensive centrifugation
may be reduced.
- Sperm are separated through microchannels
- The progressive motility of sperm is utilised
- Some systems may reduce the need for centrifugation
- The aim is to obtain a sperm population more suitable for fertilisation
PERSONALISED ASSESSMENT
Who May Be Considered for Microchip Sperm Selection?
The microchip method is not a mandatory procedure for
every IVF treatment. The semen analysis, previous
treatment outcomes and laboratory assessment should
be considered together.
Sperm Motility Problems
It may be considered when the proportion of motile sperm
is low and the isolation of suitable sperm from the
sample is considered necessary.
High Sperm DNA Fragmentation
It may be considered as an alternative sperm preparation
method for selected patients found to have high sperm DNA
fragmentation.
Previous Low Fertilisation Rates
It may be considered as part of the treatment plan for
couples who experienced low fertilisation rates during
a previous IVF or ICSI cycle.
Repeated Treatment Failure
For selected patients who did not achieve the expected
embryo development or pregnancy outcome in previous
treatments, the sperm preparation method may be
reconsidered.
Suspected Oxidative Stress
It may be considered when the aim is to reduce the
mechanical and oxidative effects to which sperm cells
may be exposed during laboratory preparation.
Patients Undergoing ICSI
For suitable semen samples, the microchip method may
be used to prepare sperm cells for intracytoplasmic
sperm injection (ICSI).
Not Every Semen Sample Is Suitable for Microchip Selection
In some samples with a very low sperm concentration or
very poor motility, the microchip method may not yield
a sufficient number of sperm. The sperm preparation
technique should be selected by the embryology team
after the semen analysis.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Does the Microchip Method Improve the Chance of Success?
Studies suggest that microfluidic sperm selection
may have beneficial effects on laboratory parameters
such as sperm motility and DNA fragmentation.
However, it has not yet been conclusively demonstrated
that the method increases pregnancy and live birth rates
across all patient groups.
For this reason, the microchip method should not be
regarded as a stand-alone treatment that guarantees
success, but as an alternative sperm preparation and
selection method that may be used for suitable patients.
- It does not perform genetic testing on sperm DNA
- It cannot be claimed to prevent genetic disorders
- It does not guarantee fertilisation or pregnancy
- It may not produce the same outcome for every semen sample
- Outcomes depend on the individual patient and the characteristics of the semen sample
Other Factors Affecting Success
Pregnancy and live birth outcomes do not depend solely
on the sperm selection method. The woman’s age, ovarian
reserve, egg quality, embryo development, endometrial
lining, genetic factors and embryo transfer conditions
should all be assessed together.
LABORATORY PROCEDURE
What You Should Know About the Microchip Method
01
NO ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE
Performed in the Laboratory
Microchip sperm selection is performed while the semen
sample is being prepared. The patient does not undergo
an additional procedure.
02
SPERM SELECTION
Based on Motility Characteristics
The aim is to separate sperm cells according to their
ability to move and travel through the microchannels.
03
INDIVIDUAL DECISION
Not Recommended for Every Patient
The decision to use the method is based on the semen
analysis, treatment history and assessment by the
embryology laboratory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About Microchip Sperm Selection
What is microchip sperm selection?
Microchip sperm selection is a laboratory method that
separates sperm in a semen sample according to their
motility characteristics using microfluidic channels.
Does a microchip test sperm DNA?
No. The microchip system does not perform genetic testing
on sperm cells. It helps separate sperm according to
motility and their ability to travel through microchannels.
Does the microchip method prevent genetic disorders?
No. The microchip method is not a genetic screening or
diagnostic test. Other genetic tests may be required to
assess the risk of genetic disorders.
Does the microchip method increase the chance of pregnancy?
Some studies have reported favourable findings relating
to sperm preparation outcomes. However, the method has
not been shown conclusively to increase pregnancy or live
birth rates in every patient.
Which treatments use the microchip method?
Depending on the treatment plan and the characteristics
of the semen sample, it may be used for conventional IVF
or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Is microchip sperm selection painful?
No. The procedure is performed on the semen sample in
the embryology laboratory. The patient does not undergo
an additional painful or surgical procedure.
Can a microchip be used with every sperm sample?
No. The microchip method may not be suitable for some
semen samples with a very low sperm concentration or
very poor motility. The decision is made following
laboratory assessment.
RELATED TREATMENTS
Explore Sperm Selection and Fertilisation Methods
Microchip sperm selection is considered alongside the
laboratory and fertilisation stages of IVF treatment.
LET US REVIEW YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
Is the Microchip Method Suitable for You?
You can share your latest semen analysis and previous
treatment results with us. Our doctors and embryology
team can review the available information and advise
you about the most appropriate sperm preparation method.
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